A televangelist admitted in front of a television audience that he cheated on his wife, an announcement he made to thwart people he said were trying to extort millions of dollars from him.

The Rev. Marcus Lamb made the confession Tuesday night on his show "Celebration" with his wife Joni Lamb by his side.

The couple also displayed a special message about the incident on the website of Daystar Television Network, the couple's television network.

"At the top of the program, the Lambs shared a compelling, transparent account of a personal challenge in their marriage that occurred several years ago, involving an inappropriate relationship between Marcus and another woman," the message said.

The couple explained that there were three people who said they would expose the affair if the couple's ministry did not pay them $7.5 million.

Daystar Television Network is based in Texas and airs some of the most popular evangelists in the nation, including T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland and Joyce Meyer.

Absolutely, once you stop pretending that you're the only game in town...

December 1, 2010 at 9:24 pm |

The Dude

Why does a preacher who pays no taxes have millions of dollars to extort? Thats what people really should be asking.

December 1, 2010 at 2:10 pm |

Chad

They will just use this to get the sheep to send them more money!

December 1, 2010 at 2:10 pm |

ED

Every once in a while, when I'm feeling a bit down, I come and check out these discussion boards to pick up my day a bit. This one takes the cake. All of these "Christians" defacing the other "Christians" comments. You guys all try to write so darn smart and elitist, but you still all come across as Fast Food Americans who have never left the USA except via internet connection! Thanks for the endless laughs!

Like from Tim, "Most museums involving archeology are filled with "proof" that the stories in the Bible actually happened." Oh right, Tim, can you point me in the direction of some of these scientific finds? Haha, the Creationism museum in the lobby of your church doesn't count!

And here is a quote for all of you Christians who seem to be the only ones who understand the good Lord's true plan:

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." -SUSAN B ANTHONY.

December 1, 2010 at 2:09 pm |

Davis

I love having a man inside my booty hole and I'm a dude.

December 1, 2010 at 2:08 pm |

A MUCH higher power

IT is all about the dollar and using fear to keep viewers. FORGIVENESS?? Christianity is one of the most one sided, judgemental religons on Earth. If they are all so sure of their belief they why do the feel the need to push it onto others who have the own belief. A lot went on before Jesus and all of the man made principals of Christianity. What a bunch of hypocrits!!!!!! God must look down and just shake his head!!!

December 1, 2010 at 2:07 pm |

Bill Fitzgerald

Lets assume he went through some sort of repentance process for Adultery. But he gets paid for preaching which is clearly Priestcraft. So until he stops collecting money for preaching, is he forgiven?

December 1, 2010 at 2:07 pm |

Kimo

Dog bites man. It will have no effect whatsoever on the thinking of the kind of person who would listen to these charlatans in the first place.

December 1, 2010 at 2:06 pm |

Aidan

As long as the gullible pray, the wicked will prey.

December 1, 2010 at 2:06 pm |

janebarl

Why do we hang all of our beliefs upon a ridiculous that is replete with contradictions, science fiction , written by over forty idiots in a HUGE time span????? The bible is joke. It is so sick that people cling onto this work of fictional garbage just to judge others, make themselves feel better and use it to hang their hopes on another life after death. Ugh. Sheep.

December 1, 2010 at 2:03 pm |

LEB

Oh look, a hypocritical Christian who preaches morality on one hand while calling his mistress with the other. Gee, that NEVER happens.

December 1, 2010 at 2:03 pm |

dragonwife

Sadly, the first thing that popped into my mind was, "Well, who was it THIS time?" Obviously there always have been and always will be spouses who cheat (and yes, both husbands and wives do). But it just seems to be much more prevalent, and unfortunately much less shocking, than in years past. It would be nice if people would go back to respecting their partners and remember that they married their spouse for a reason. Of course sometimes things just don't work out, but why is it that many of those who are horrified at the idea of divorce (the public scandal! ruination!) can't see that having an affair revealed is much more damaging to their reputation than a marital split could ever be? And for cynics who say that anyone will cheat, given the opportunity, I flatly repudiate that theory. My husband and I will never cheat, because we have honestly decided that the temporary pleasure/excitement/whatever that one of us would gain would never be worth the pain it would cause the other or the risk of losing our wonderful relationship. Maybe some of these public figures should sit down and think about that.

December 1, 2010 at 2:02 pm |

Carl

Why is that woman smiling? :) Anyway, these losers give Christianity a bad name. They're out to make a fast buck and enjoy the un-Christian life!

December 1, 2010 at 2:02 pm |

arthur

It is ok to cheat as long as nobody ask you for money. It is also ok to enjoy some side kicks.
If you think about it, you go to work, you have to kiss your boss rare. If you die and go to haven, you have to sing and pray your sky daddy forever and ever.
What a chill feeling! He is very smart to smart to cheat of bit, and keep his money to enjoy more side kicks.
Sing the glory all Christians! Enjoy your moment before you go to haven and kiss someone rare end forever!

December 1, 2010 at 2:02 pm |

Isabella

I wonder how long this charade would have kept going had he not been "blackmailed"?

The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.